Ever checked your tire pressure and thought, “Eh, it’s a bit low. I’ll fill it up later”? You’re not alone. The majority of drivers often ignore tire pressures, failing to realise the grave implications it could have on safety and performance, not to mention interference on the bank balance.
What Happens When the Tire Pressure Falls?
If your tires drop just under 25% of their recommended air pressure, various issues start:
More Contact with the Road – The surface area of under-inflated tires making contact with the ground is larger. While that may sound advantageous from a grip perspective, it actually creates friction and consequential heating.
Excessive Heat Build-up – Heat is a tire’s worst enemy. Friction creates heat, so when the heat rises, your tires run the risk of overheating — which can cause the tread to separate or even blow out dangerously.
Deficient Fuel Economy – Tires with low pressure require your engine to work harder in order to drive your car. That means you’re using more fuel and paying more at the pump.
Tire Wear Out Quickly — Tread wear will be uneven with under-inflated tires. This leads to early replacement of tires, costing you hundreds of dollars earlier than you should have.
Higher Risk of Accidents — Tires under low pressure impact your vehicle’s handling, braking, and stability. That extra second of delay in your response time could be the difference between being close and crashing.
How Can You Prevent This?
The good news? It’s so easy to avoid these problems:
Monitor Your Tire Pressure – Once a month or so use a good air gauge to check that tires are at the proper PSI.
Invest in Tire Pressure Monitoring Valve Caps – These little guys will alert you if there is a drop in pressure so you can address the issue before it becomes a major issue.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines – Each vehicle has a minimum and maximum tire pressure. Stay with it for optimal performance and safety.
Final Thoughts
Falling air pressure in a tire might mean a flat, but it is also dangerous. Once again, something as simple as checking your tire pressure or using something like Quick Pressure Tire Pressure Monitoring Valve Caps could save you money and even your life.
Keep yourself safe while driving—inspect your tires right now!
